THAMES RAILWAY.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3451, 16 January 1880, Page 2

THAMES RAILWAY.

Deputation to Mr Whitaker.

The deputation from the Thames, representing the Borough and County Councils, accompanied by Dr Kilgour and Mr Morrin, waited on Hon. F. Whitaker at Auckland yesterday. The Mayor (L. Ehrenfried, Esq ) stated that the Thames people were, much dissatisfied that no steps had as yet been taken by the Government to go on with the work.

Hon F. Whitaker explained that the only influence he could exercise was that of an ordinary Minister. They must remember that in t tis matter he was personally interested, and therefore kept aloof. The deputation must apply to the Minister of Public Woiks. It he (Mr Whitaker) interfered, the country would raise the cry that he was looking after his own private interests. The engineers were the persons to advise with, and not him. There was some work going on towards Hikutaia, and on which no instructions were giren to stop. He thought the first thing to be done was to settle about compensation— that was his idea. He referred to Tukukino's obstinacy and the necessity for arranging with him before proceeding with the line. Mr Brodie said that £1000 would settle all suoh Claims. ■ The Mayor said if a contract to carry the line eight miles, on to Puriri, would satisfy the inhabitants at present. Mr Whitaker said if they would put the request in writing he would forward it to the Minister of Public Works, who would arrire in Wellington that evening, but he would rather not be asked to endorse the application because 'of his - interest in it. . \ The necessary request, in writing, will be in Mr Whitaker's hands, to-morrow morning. OPENING NBW LANDS. An interview with Mr Whitaker as to the opening of lands beyond Karat a resulted satisfactorily. An application will be sent to the Minister of Lands through Mr Whitaker on the subject. THE DOMESTIC WATKK SUPPLY. Be Water Supply Corporation, a private bill will be drawn up, conferring power of transfer to the Borough. ■ '